ADL Mourns Loss of Longtime National Director, Foxman

If you walked past the Anti-Defamation League’s New York headquarters at 605 Third Avenue, near the bustling intersection of 42nd Street and Third, you might have seen the familiar blue ADL sign and wondered about the man who shaped its legacy for nearly three decades. Abraham “Abe” Foxman, the Holocaust survivor who became the public face of America’s fight against antisemitism, has died at 86. His passing leaves a void—not just in the halls of Jewish advocacy, but in the exceptionally fabric of New York’s cultural and political landscape, a city where the fight for civil rights and against hate has always been a defining struggle.

Foxman’s death marks the end of an era for New York’s Jewish community, a community that has long anchored itself in neighborhoods like the Upper West Side, Midtown’s Jewish cultural hubs, and the historic Lower East Side. His leadership transformed the ADL from a small legal arm of B’nai Brith into a global force, with offices in cities like Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Jerusalem. But it was in New York, the epicenter of American Jewish life, that Foxman’s influence was most palpable. Here, he navigated the delicate balance between protecting Jewish interests and fostering alliances across faiths and political divides—a task that became increasingly complex in the digital age, where hate spreads as quickly as it can be challenged.

The Legacy of a Moral Voice

Born in 1940 to Polish Jews in what is now Belarus, Foxman’s childhood was marked by the horrors of the Holocaust. After surviving by hiding his Jewish identity, he was reunited with his parents and eventually resettled in New York, where he earned a law degree and joined the ADL in 1965. By the time he became national director in 1987, the ADL was already a respected institution, but under Foxman’s leadership, it became a juggernaut. He counseled presidents, celebrities, and CEOs, and his voice was heard in boardrooms, on Capitol Hill, and in the United Nations. Foxman’s approach was unapologetically direct: he called out antisemitism wherever he found it, whether in the rhetoric of politicians, the art of filmmakers, or the pages of newspapers. Yet, he also believed in redemption, famously accepting apologies from figures as diverse as former President Jimmy Carter and fashion designer John Galliano, arguing that “if you don’t let them change, then you become the bigot.”

This duality—fierce defender and reluctant pardoner—defined Foxman’s tenure. He was known for his blunt political analysis, his Yiddish-infused wit, and his weekly “Shabbat Shalom” messages, which became a cherished tradition for many in the Jewish community. His passing has sparked tributes from leaders across the spectrum, from ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called Foxman “a giant in the fight against antisemitism and a true friend to the State of Israel.”

From the Holocaust to the Digital Age

Foxman’s career spanned the civil rights era, the rise of white supremacist movements, and the explosive growth of the internet, which he warned would give bigots a platform to spread hate “not only anonymously but at the speed of light.” In New York, where the ADL’s headquarters stood as a beacon against intolerance, Foxman’s work was both a response to history and a warning for the future. His efforts extended beyond Jewish issues; the ADL under his leadership became a vocal advocate for immigrant rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and diversity training for law enforcement. In a city as diverse as New York, where tensions often simmer beneath the surface, Foxman’s ability to bridge divides was a rare and valuable skill.

Yet, his legacy is not without controversy. Critics argued that the ADL, under his leadership, sometimes overreacted to perceived slights against Jews, while others felt he was too quick to forgive those who had caused harm. Foxman himself grappled with these tensions, once admitting to The New York Times that he regretted some of his crusades on behalf of Israel and Jewish communities. His belief in the power of dialogue and redemption, however, remained central to his approach. “If you don’t believe you can change people’s hearts and minds,” he told the Times, “why bother?”

New York’s Jewish Community and the Fight Against Hate

For New York’s Jewish community, Foxman’s death is a reminder of the ongoing battle against antisemitism. The city’s Jewish institutions—from the 92nd Street Y on the Upper East Side to the Museum of Jewish Heritage in Battery Park—have long been at the forefront of preserving memory and combating hate. But with Foxman gone, the question remains: who will fill the void left by his moral authority and unyielding dedication?

New York is home to some of the most prominent Jewish organizations in the world, including the American Jewish Committee, the Union for Reform Judaism, and the Jewish Federation of New York. These groups, along with local synagogues and community centers, continue to play a crucial role in educating the public, monitoring hate crimes, and fostering interfaith dialogue. The ADL’s New York office, in particular, remains a hub for tracking antisemitic incidents, training educators, and advocating for policy changes that protect vulnerable communities.

Local Institutions Leading the Way

In the wake of Foxman’s passing, several local institutions are stepping up to honor his legacy and continue his work:

• The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) New York Office: Located at 605 Third Avenue, the ADL’s New York office remains a key player in combating hate and promoting tolerance. Their educational programs, community outreach, and advocacy efforts are more critical than ever.
• The Jewish Museum (1109 Fifth Avenue): This institution, which explores the art and culture of the Jewish people, offers exhibitions and programs that foster understanding and combat prejudice. Their current exhibitions, such as “The Jewish Century,” provide historical context for the ongoing struggle against antisemitism.
• The 92nd Street Y (1395 Lexington Avenue): A cultural and community hub, the 92nd Street Y hosts events, lectures, and dialogues that address social justice and interfaith relations, aligning with Foxman’s vision of a more inclusive society.
• The Museum of Jewish Heritage (36 Battery Place): This museum, dedicated to the memory of the Holocaust and the continued vibrancy of Jewish life, offers educational resources and community programs that keep the lessons of history alive.
• The American Jewish Committee (AJC) New York Office (160 Fifth Avenue): The AJC is another vital organization that advocates for human rights and religious freedom, both in the U.S. And abroad. Their work in policy advocacy and public education complements the ADL’s efforts.

How New Yorkers Can Continue the Fight

Given my background in community advocacy and civil rights, if this trend impacts you in New York, here are the three types of local professionals and resources you need to stay informed and engaged:

1. Civil Rights and Anti-Hate Advocacy Organizations

New York is home to a wealth of organizations dedicated to fighting hate and promoting civil rights. Look for groups that offer:

• Legal Advocacy: Organizations that provide free or low-cost legal assistance to victims of hate crimes or discrimination.
• Community Education: Programs that educate the public about the dangers of antisemitism, racism, and other forms of bias.
• Policy Advocacy: Groups that work with local and state governments to pass laws that protect marginalized communities.

2. Interfaith Dialogue and Community Builders

Building bridges between different faiths and cultures is essential to combating hate. Seek out:

• Interfaith Organizations: Groups that organize events, workshops, and dialogues to foster understanding between different religious communities.
• Community Centers: Places like the 92nd Street Y or local synagogues that host interfaith events and cultural exchanges.
• Youth Programs: Initiatives that teach young people about diversity, tolerance, and the importance of standing up against hate.

3. Media and Public Awareness Professionals

In the digital age, media literacy and public awareness are critical tools in the fight against hate. Consider engaging with:

• Journalists and Investigative Reporters: Professionals who expose hate groups and hold leaders accountable for their words and actions.
• Social Media Educators: Experts who teach communities how to recognize and counter misinformation and hate speech online.
• Public Relations Specialists: Professionals who help organizations and individuals craft positive narratives and amplify messages of inclusion.

Ready to find trusted professionals? Browse our complete directory of top-rated civil rights advocates, interfaith organizers, and media professionals in the New York City area today.